Zacks Equity Research highlights Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM) as the Bull of the Day and AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN) as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR), Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER) and Gafisa S.A. (NYSE: GFA).
Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2676.
Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:
Bull of the Day: Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM)
Research In Motion, the manufacturer of BlackBerry smart-phone devices, reported second quarter fiscal 2009 financial results (ended August) that were slightly below our estimates. We expect the smart-phone device market to gain momentum should economic conditions improve, and as demand for portable wireless access remains firm on a global market basis.
RIMM’s channel sales expansion initiatives are also considered an impetus for meaningful top-line growth as the company is on the verge of introducing a series of next-generation BlackBerry smart-phones.
In view of the company’s financial condition, we remain comfortable that the company can execute on reaching additional market share, especially in untapped emerging markets. The recent decline in current stock valuation is now considered more favorable from an investment standpoint as we maintain our Buy recommendation with a reduced price target.
Bear of the Day: AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN)
AutoNation is the largest automotive retailer in the U.S., and is about twice the size of its nearest competitor. As of December 2007, the company owns and operates 322 new vehicle franchises from 244 dealerships located in major metropolitan markets in 16 states, with about 75% of sales being focused in the Sunbelt region of the U.S.
We expect Autonation to be hurt by a continuing weak new car market. The company is disproportionately exposed to Florida and California, states that will be hit the most by a slowing car market. Moreover, the credit crisis in the US led to a 12% fall in AutoNation’s sales in the second quarter of 2008.
Tight credit is expected to continue affecting sales and thereby margins in the near term. As a result, we rate the shares a Sell with a target of $9.
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Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR)
Equity Residential, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT). It is the largest publicly traded, self-administered, and self-managed multi-family real estate operator in the U.S.
The housing market has not yet reached a bottom; thus there is a larger pool of renters. EQR continues to raise rents in most markets, although Florida continues to be a problem. With the national economic slowdown, rental rate growth will slow over the next couple of quarters.
Despite this slowdown, we still rate EQR a Buy. We think multifamily will continue to be one of the best-performing REIT sectors in 2008. The company has a strong balance sheet and plenty of liquidity to be active in acquisitions and development. There could be some attractive acquisition opportunities coming in the next couple of quarters as smaller developers cannot find financing and could be forced to sell.
Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER)
At the end of July, Merrill Lynch agreed to sell $30.6 billion gross notional amount of CDOs [collateralized debt obligations] to Lone Star Funds for $6.7 billion. That would equate to roughly $0.22 on the dollar. However, to complete the deal, Merrill had to provide financing to Lone Star for 75% of the purchase (approximately $5 billion).
The loan was non-recourse, meaning Lone Star could put the CDOs back to Merrill should the CDOs deteriorate, and Lone Star would only be out the $1.7 billion in equity it put up. In essence, Lone Star paid about $0.055 on the dollar.
Gafisa S.A. (NYSE: GFA)
Gafisa S.A. is extremely well positioned in the Brazilian real estate market. The company is a recognized brand and has been growing through acquisitions in order to consolidate its leading position.
The recent joint venture with Tenda will enhance the company's presence on the low-income segment. The long-term potential for growth in the local mortgage business is huge, and its massive inventory of land already acquired, as well as construction in progress, land bank and finished units is positive.
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About the Bull and Bear of the Day
Every day, the analysts at Zacks Equity Research select two stocks that are likely to outperform (Bull) or underperform (Bear) the markets over the next 3-6 months.
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